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This week in history from The Marysville Globe archives

Terry Van Dyke didnt mean to make history; he just wanted to avoid paying higher commercial rate property taxes on his backyard. Van Dyke, whose house and lot abut the new northbound exit ramp at 88th Street NE and I-5, bought some extra land behind his lot about 18 months ago, extending his backyard. His backyard now stretches almost twice as big as his original lot, allowing his two young children, who like to run around barefoot, to have a large open area. Then his property was included in the 81-acre annexation to the city, known as the Barr Annexation, approved in December 1996. Van Dyke has since filed an appeal with the Superior County Court, which leaves the annexation in limbo. Although the city approved the annexation, until the appeal is settled, the land remains in the county. Its the first appeal of its kind, said Bonnie Collins, Boundary Review Board clerk. Though his land is zoned residential with Snohomish County, the city of Marysville designates it commercial with a higher property tax. Van Dyke has already had offers from developers to purchase the land. I could make money, he said. But thats not what I bought it for. He said he doesnt look forward to the future impending development of the surrounding area. I dont want an AM/PM [mini mart] in my backyard, he said. Van Dyke asked the Marysville City Council to let his piece of land remain zoned residentially, but they said no, stating he had the choice to not buy the land, knowing it could be commercial. We asked nicely and they voted us out, he said. Besides the higher property taxes, Van Dyke doesnt want to be part of the city, he said. The city isnt offering me anything I dont already have, he said. Van Dykes appeal questions the validity of some of the petition signatures on the original annexation petition. Adding to the confusion, Van Dykes wife signed the petition, so she cant appeal. She said the petitioners told her they would come back for her husbands signature, but they didnt. She found out what the petition was for and wanted to remove her name, but it was too late. Knowing his wife didnt want to sign the petition, Terry Van Dyke figured there must be others against the annexation. Thats why I started looking at the petition, when there were so many people against it, he said. He discovered some discrepancies that he said make the petition invalid. Marysville Mayor David Weiser signed the city as owner of a parcel that belongs to the county. One signature was dated 1995, making it invalid. Dykes wife and mother signed, although they were not the owners. Van Dykes mother is the taxpayer on a lot, but he owns it, he says. These discrepancies drop the number of petition signers to below 60 percent of the assessed valuation, the required minimum. Since this is the first appeal of the petition, Collins said she isnt sure what the possible outcomes are. Signatures are validated against the country assessors records of who pays the taxes, regardless of who owns the property, Collins said. While the city and county wait for the outcome of the Van Dykes appeal, another annexation is moving through the system, for property north of 88th. Although county staff recommended the city wait until the appeal is settled, Marysville City Councilmembers approved the first petition for the annexation Feb. 24. If the appeal is granted, and the Barr Annexation is thrown out, the city lines may make the newest annexation invalid as well, depending on where boundaries meet existing city limits, said Gloria Hirashima, Marysville city planner. Meanwhile, Terry Van Dyke waits to see what happens with his appeal. He just wants to have a nice backyard with out commercial properties surrounding him, he said. Additionally, the publicity surrounding the Barr Annexation has changed many of his neighbors minds, he said. If they had to redo the petition, they wouldnt get close to 60 percent.

25 Years Ago 1982

Marysville Volunteer Fire Department will stage several impressive demonstrations in a special Firemens Day, at Third and State Avenue. Four fire engines, an emergency equipment vehicle and Daisy, the busy first aid vehicle, will be parked on Third Street for public viewing. Firefighters will be present to explain how each is used and the usage of various types of equipment carried on that particular apparatus. We would hope that the public will take advantage of the afternoon to see just what their tax dollars and donations have purchased through the years, said Fire Marshal Doug Ronning who is coordinating Firemens Day. Firemens Day comes as a prelude to the 34th annual Marysville Volunteer Firemens Ball coming up Saturday night, March 27, at Firefighters Hall. Marysville Firefighters President Eric Miller stated that, So far, weve had good response from tickets mailed out earlier. Donations form our fundraising dance help support our activities and assist in purchase of special equipment we might want. One of the highlights will be a dramatic rescue of a victim trapped in a wrecked vehicle. Firefighters will demonstrate the Hurst Tool (Jaws of Life) which is a hydraulically operated portable mechanism that can quickly separate car doors from their locks and hinges, rip open a metal top like a can-opener or pull a steering column away from a trapped or injured person. Proper care of chimneys, installation of wood stoves, chain saw usage, and placement of smoke detectors are other informative subjects to be covered. Fire Chief Dick Murdock added that trained personnel will hold a CPR (cardio-pulimary-resusication) demonstration using a Resusci-Annie. This will show the proper techniques in helping save someones life in an emergency. Another display will acquaint the homeowner on safe use of circuit breakers and fuse boxes. Faulty wiring or worn-out appliances will be shown and how they can cause a fire in the home. As a special service, the public can take advantage of a free blood pressure clinic, given by trained personnel. This should be a day for the whole family, adults getting some good advice and a chance to see just what their fire department does in emergency situations. It will also give parents bringing a camera an opportunity to take a picture of that youngster who always wanted to sit behind the wheel of a big, red fire engine, Ronning concluded.

50 Years Ago 1957

The first Marysville contestant has announced his plans to enroll in the third annual Snohomish County Soap Box Derby in Everett this summer. Steve Nelson will soon begin planning his sleek racer, which he hopes will bring him across the finish line first. He will be sponsored by The Marysville Globe. Other interested boys in the community wishing to take part in this popular event are urged to contact Thornberry Chevrolet in Marysville. A delegation of apartment house owners attended City Council Monday evening to protest the new minimum water rates, which went into effect Jan. 1. The landlords argued that the new rate allows them more water then they will reasonably use and the present minimum charge is a considerable increase over last years charges. Council members explained that the $6 minimum for apartment buildings is a price concession, since single dwelling users now pay a $2.40 minimum and duplex dwellings are given a $5 minimum charge.

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